Well, I'm faced with the option of a tranny swap, as my auto needs some help, and if I can get a manual for my 95 525 I will. Basically, I'm wondering about the potential cost involved with an auto to manual swap in my car. I've been looking around the forums and checking ebay, finding that m3 and 328 trannys are pretty cheap and easy to come by. What do you guys think, repair my auto or swap a manual, how tough would this be? I did a search and was unable to find what I was looking for. Thanks in advance.

which trannys would be swapable with an e34? i have a 92 525i... and my auto tranny is also in bad shape...

You are looking at about $1500-$2000. Depends on the shop. Also plus what ever you get for a tranny...best to get an ///M3

theDogger

I got a 1994 530i that has an auto that I want to swap a manual into. How much would that cost?

^ do you know what this would cost on an E39 (528)? always wondered. hmm...

Originally posted by theDogger
You are looking at about $1500-$2000. Depends on the shop. Also plus what ever you get for a tranny...best to get an ///M3

theDogger Would the ecu need to be changed, how about wiring harnesses? Thanks.

You're looking at ~$2000 for the tranny. You'll also need a new shifter, possibly a new differential depending on the gear ratios of the manual vs. auto (you certainly do for the E36 M3), new ECU, new center console cover and some wiring bits. Then factor in labor cost.

How much would it cost to have a e34's auto tranny overhauled...? That's what i think I am going to have to have done...

Originally posted by Gop-Dogg
You're looking at ~$2000 for the tranny. You'll also need a new shifter, possibly a new differential depending on the gear ratios of the manual vs. auto (you certainly do for the E36 M3), new ECU, new center console cover and some wiring bits. Then factor in labor cost. I was thinking about getting a used m3 or 328 tranny, I've found them a lot cheaper than 2k. I figured I'd need a new drive shaft, but diff. too?

You'd need the diff primarily for the ratio...If you use a non-overdrive E36 tranny combined with your 4.27 diff (I think, it's something like that in an auto 525), and you'll scream down the interstate at like 5000 RPM at 75mph.

Wild guess there... but it would really suck to drive at anything over 50mph.

Originally posted by Mr Project
You'd need the diff primarily for the ratio...If you use a non-overdrive E36 tranny combined with your 4.27 diff (I think, it's something like that in an auto 525), and you'll scream down the interstate at like 5000 RPM at 75mph.

Wild guess there... but it would really suck to drive at anything over 50mph. 4.27?? Ouch, looks like I may be sticking to an auto after all.

So which trannys would be compatible with a e34 (92 525i)? Is there any that you could swap without having to change the drive shaft/diff?

Definitely do it man cause damn when you have the manual the autos rear end gearing watch out... heh

Ok lets get this straight...first off the rear diff on a 95 525iA is a 3.23. You can us it but your best bet is a 3.46LSD. Second you will need a need new drive shaft. Next the ECU would need a new chip for the Man tranny. In Sac here Schatz&KRUM can burn one or call Turner Motorsports. Then you will need a the nickle and dime part to add the clutch.

If you ask me it is well worth it. I swapped my auto to a ///M3 Man with a lightened fly and a custom UUC short shift and a 3.46 LSD combined with the ///M3 3.2L it's sweettttttttttttttttt:buttrock

hope this helps


theDogger

Originally posted by theDogger
Ok lets get this straight...first off the rear diff on a 95 525iA is a 3.23. You can us it but your best bet is a 3.46LSD. Second you will need a need new drive shaft. Next the ECU would need a new chip for the Man tranny. In Sac here Schatz&KRUM can burn one or call Turner Motorsports. Then you will need a the nickle and dime part to add the clutch.

If you ask me it is well worth it. I swapped my auto to a ///M3 Man with a lightened fly and a custom UUC short shift and a 3.46 LSD combined with the ///M3 3.2L it's sweettttttttttttttttt:buttrock

hope this helps


theDogger

How much did the conversion cost you?

I would say that after all said and done I sank $5000.00 inito everything. The 98 ///M3 3.2 was $3500.00 w/ Tranny. The rear diff and drive line was $400 (eBay) Then the rest was the misc. stuff. Labor was free.....

theDogger

so the 525i's have 4.27 rear end for autos? Thinkin about swapping a 525, Why does the ECU need to be reburnt. The ecu and tranny comp should be two seperate things like in the e36.

Ratio on a 525iA is going to depend on whether or not it's a Touring.....

Either way you would have to change it for the 5 speed or high RPM's?

what are the diff ratios for a 92 525it?

what are the diff ratios for a 92 525it?

All US spec 525 touring automatics were fitted with 4.10s. If the car had ASC, it is open. If the car doesn't have ASC, there's a possibility it's a limited slip.

530iT E34s have 3.23s, open or LS depending.

The 4.27 ratio mentioned earlier in this thread was found on '91 535 and 735 cars to the end of production. The 4.27 is an upgrade for any earlier automatic M30 -- the E34 and some E32 735 have 3.91s, and even earlier E32 735 have 3.64s.

what are the diff ratios for a 92 525it?

I thought there was a chart somewhere out there, but cannot find it.

alright, so I might be picking up a 1992 525i with a 5 speed for really cheap. I'm going to swap that transmission into my car, so I should be ok leaving the stock diff in my touring? I'm pretty sure it's a 25% locking since I don't have ASC.

You don't need a new ECU.... more info is here:
http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_41.htm

wow...where are u guys pulling your prices from?

2K for a m50 tranny?!

i have a 530i 5spd tranny, clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, shifter linkage, master and slave cilinders, driveshaft, the entire steering column with clutch pedal and all the other miscalaneious bits for a 5spd conversion.

cost....1600CAN even...now if the shop would just call me back so i can put the damn thing in already.

and thats for a pretty rare m60b30....i'm sure m50 tranny's are a whole lot cheaper as 3 series had em....

True... I just picked up a nice Getrag 5-speed for my conversion for $400 shipped. Along with the driveshaft, pedal cluster, switches, clutch and pressure plate (UUC stuff - new), I probably have $2k in everything.

alright, so I might be picking up a 1992 525i with a 5 speed for really cheap. I'm going to swap that transmission into my car, so I should be ok leaving the stock diff in my touring? I'm pretty sure it's a 25% locking since I don't have ASC.

If you do a bunch of freeway cruising with the touring swap in the diff from the donor. You never know, the donor could have a LSD, check it out.

yeha i got the full kit for my 325 for 1500 from zionsville autosport and another 450 or so for the 3.23 lsd.

with the auto I cruise at about 2500-2700 on the highway which isn't too low. after I swap the transmission I'll leave the diff in and see how it works out. By the way, I'll make a formal post for it, but this E34 sedan I'm buying I'm parting out, and I'm also selling my ZF auto trans. so if anyone's interested in some E34 sedan bits, I'll be selling them. that is, of course, if I don't want the part first.